Tuesday 20th May 2025
Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool has set the thrill-seeking world abuzz by announcing the name of its much-anticipated new ride – Aviktas – which promises to be the tallest of its kind in the UK.
Originally teased as Project 2026 earlier this year, the £8.72 million attraction has remained shrouded in mystery—until now. While full details remain tightly under wraps, what is known is already turning heads: Aviktas is set to tower at 138 feet, a height nearly double that of any similar ride in the country.
Aviktas is a Gyro Swing, a giant pendulum-style ride that spins as it swings riders high into the air. With 40 outward-facing seats and legs dangling free, guests will experience the thrill of flying during each 120-degree swing.
“This is a ride like nothing we’ve ever created before,” said Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort. “While we’re keeping the full experience under wraps for now, I can promise it will be truly extraordinary.”
The ride's name, coined by the resort’s own creative team, has sparked curiosity among fans who are now eagerly speculating on what the theming and narrative behind "Aviktas" might entail. A dedicated section on the Pleasure Beach website has been launched for fans to follow updates as they’re gradually released in the lead-up to the 2026 opening.
Originally teased as Project 2026 earlier this year, the £8.72 million attraction has remained shrouded in mystery—until now. While full details remain tightly under wraps, what is known is already turning heads: Aviktas is set to tower at 138 feet, a height nearly double that of any similar ride in the country.
Aviktas is a Gyro Swing, a giant pendulum-style ride that spins as it swings riders high into the air. With 40 outward-facing seats and legs dangling free, guests will experience the thrill of flying during each 120-degree swing.
“This is a ride like nothing we’ve ever created before,” said Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort. “While we’re keeping the full experience under wraps for now, I can promise it will be truly extraordinary.”
The ride's name, coined by the resort’s own creative team, has sparked curiosity among fans who are now eagerly speculating on what the theming and narrative behind "Aviktas" might entail. A dedicated section on the Pleasure Beach website has been launched for fans to follow updates as they’re gradually released in the lead-up to the 2026 opening.
Thursday 20th March 2025
Pleasure Beach Resort is getting a huge £8.72M ride – and work is already underway
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has today unveiled its plans for a new £8.72M ride, which will be the biggest of its kind in the UK.
A Gyro Swing is being added to the park’s line up of rides in 2026, and work has already begun on its delivery.
The ride is a giant spinning pendulum that swings 120 degrees and reaches 138 feet at its highest point.
It can seat 40 riders who face outwards with their legs dangling, and will experience an exhilarating feeling of flying.
Although other swinging pendulum rides exist in the UK, none come close to the Pleasure Beach model in terms of height. For example, Drayton Manor’s Maelstrom reaches approximately 74 feet, with the new ride almost double that in size.
CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE, said:
“We’re thrilled to confirm the addition of a Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach Resort, with work already underway. We’re well known for doing things on a large scale, so becoming home to the largest Gyro Swing in the UK made complete sense.
“The Gyro Swing is one of the most exciting flat rides in existence – it’s dynamic, fast, and incredibly high, as well as being completely weightless at the top. It will be a fantastic addition to our ride line-up and we can’t wait to see people’s reactions when they experience it for the first time.
“We’ll be announcing more details soon and we’re very excited for the future at Pleasure Beach Resort.”
Pleasure Beach had previously teased the arrival of a new ride when it sent a digital van to rivals Thorpe Park on the day it opened its Hyperia rollercoaster, stating “We’ll just have to come up with something else then, won’t we?”
Preparation work began earlier this year with the demolition of the former Bowl-A-Drome building, but Pleasure Beach had remained tight-lipped on the plans until now.
The ride and its location were confirmed at Pleasure Beach’s season launch event earlier today.
It will be located in the north of the park close to the perimeter, meaning riders will feel as though they are being swung over the sea.
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has today unveiled its plans for a new £8.72M ride, which will be the biggest of its kind in the UK.
A Gyro Swing is being added to the park’s line up of rides in 2026, and work has already begun on its delivery.
The ride is a giant spinning pendulum that swings 120 degrees and reaches 138 feet at its highest point.
It can seat 40 riders who face outwards with their legs dangling, and will experience an exhilarating feeling of flying.
Although other swinging pendulum rides exist in the UK, none come close to the Pleasure Beach model in terms of height. For example, Drayton Manor’s Maelstrom reaches approximately 74 feet, with the new ride almost double that in size.
CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE, said:
“We’re thrilled to confirm the addition of a Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach Resort, with work already underway. We’re well known for doing things on a large scale, so becoming home to the largest Gyro Swing in the UK made complete sense.
“The Gyro Swing is one of the most exciting flat rides in existence – it’s dynamic, fast, and incredibly high, as well as being completely weightless at the top. It will be a fantastic addition to our ride line-up and we can’t wait to see people’s reactions when they experience it for the first time.
“We’ll be announcing more details soon and we’re very excited for the future at Pleasure Beach Resort.”
Pleasure Beach had previously teased the arrival of a new ride when it sent a digital van to rivals Thorpe Park on the day it opened its Hyperia rollercoaster, stating “We’ll just have to come up with something else then, won’t we?”
Preparation work began earlier this year with the demolition of the former Bowl-A-Drome building, but Pleasure Beach had remained tight-lipped on the plans until now.
The ride and its location were confirmed at Pleasure Beach’s season launch event earlier today.
It will be located in the north of the park close to the perimeter, meaning riders will feel as though they are being swung over the sea.
Saturday 1st March 2025
The dismantling of the old Bowlerdrome building at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is officially underway. Construction walls have gone up around the site, marking the beginning of the removal process. Early signs of progress can already be seen, with the old steps leading down from near Planet Rock now completely removed.
It also appears that some asbestos has been identified within the structure, which will likely require careful handling and removal as part of the demolition process.
While details remain unconfirmed, the site seems to be earmarked for a new attraction or building, sparking speculation about what could be coming next to the popular amusement park. Fans and visitors will no doubt be keeping a close eye on developments in the coming months.
It also appears that some asbestos has been identified within the structure, which will likely require careful handling and removal as part of the demolition process.
While details remain unconfirmed, the site seems to be earmarked for a new attraction or building, sparking speculation about what could be coming next to the popular amusement park. Fans and visitors will no doubt be keeping a close eye on developments in the coming months.
